Arts & Entertainment

Cherry blossoms under new leadership

D.C.’s trademark gay dance weekend returns with series of events

Published

14 years ago

March 29, 2012

Juliette Ebner

Cherry Fund board member James Decker. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Cherry and the Cherry Fund, which is now under new management.

The Cherry Fund has raised and provided about $980,000 in grants since its start in 1997 and 90 percent of that comes directly from ticket sales to Cherry, Washington’s trademark gay dance party. James Decker, a member of the Fund’s board, says this year’s goal is to raise $20,000, which could be double what was raised last year and would bring the organization over the $1 million milestone.

“There’s definitely something symbolic behind it,” Decker says of hitting that milestone on this anniversary. “That would be a significant achievement given the economy and a lot other factors, but there’s no reason why they couldn’t reach that goal.”

Last year’s beneficiaries were The Metro D.C. Center, Capital Pride, Us Helping Us, Whitman-Walker Health, Metro TeenAIDS, Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Women’s Collective, La Clinica del Pueblo, Youth Pride Alliance, Capital Trans Pride, Latino GLBT History Project (Latino Pride), API Queers United for Action and D.C. Black Pride.

“We try to spread the wealth,” Decker says.

This year’s beneficiaries will not be announced for another couple months.

“We get a lot of people from out of town,” Decker says. “That’s how the circuit works. A lot of people will just go from party to party.”

There are some new venues this year, including Phase 1 Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.), Ibiza Nightclub (1222 1st St., N.E.) and Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave., N.E.).

While Fund organizers think the local DJs are great, they try to recruit those who don’t come to the D.C. area that often, making their events a bigger draw. There are many DJs who ask about participating and this year, all the opening DJs are volunteers.

Tonight’s (Friday) events start with a welcome center at No. 9 (1435 P St., N.W) from 5 to 9 p.m. followed by two events. There will be a women’s event at Phase 1 Dupont from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Boys on Fire” with DJ Paulo from Los Angeles at Warehouse Loft from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. with DJ David Merrill (check out his Queery profile on page 32) spinning the opening set and DJ Bryan Yamasaki in the back room.

Saturday brings the “Moody Horror Picture Show,” a birthday celebration for party pioneer, Moody Mustafa featuring DJ Joe Gauthreaux from New York City at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 2 to 7 p.m.

Town is also hosting that night’s “Blossom” with DJ Mark Anthony from Montreal from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. DJ Timothy Mykael will provide the opening set. There will also be a special performance by Circuit Mom. Attendees are asked to wear red to this event.

The festival ends on Sunday with “Momentum” with Cherry alum DJ Alyson Calagna from Miami at Ibiza Nightclub from 4 to 9 a.m. with an opening set by DJ BennyK.

“She’s great, a real sweetheart and an awesome DJ,” Decker says of Calagna. “We’re honored to have her back.”

That will be followed by a brunch and tea dance at Cobalt from noon to 6 p.m. with DJ Tim e. The final event is “Ovation” with DJ Eddie Elias from New York City at Ultra Bar (911 F St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with DJ Sean Morris opening.

“They give us that club for the night,” Decker says of Ultra Bar. “They are very generous, very supportive of our event.”

Tickets for individual events range from $17 to $50. The 2012 Cherry Host Pass is $120 and includes entrance to all six major events, access to VIP lounge at Ibiza, goodie bag, complimentary day pass to VIDA Fitness, two-hour open bar at Sunday tea, T-shirt and CD, but it does not include admission to “Moody Horror Picture Show.”

For more information and to purchase tickets visit cherryfund.org.

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Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

4 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

8 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Celebrity News

Madonna to perform at World Pride in Amsterdam

‘Confessions II’ album released earlier this month to rave reviews

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

Michael K. Lavers

Madonna will perform at the World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam on Aug. 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MISTR)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key will be on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10. They will be covering World Pride in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM — Madonna on Saturday will perform at World Pride in Amsterdam.

She is scheduled to appear alongside Stuart Price, Honey Dijon, and other “special guests” at the World Pride Music Festival at AFAS Live concert hall. The Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade will take place earlier on Saturday.

MISTR, a telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, Doxy PEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care, is organizing Madonna’s performance.

Madonna on July 2 released her new album, “Confessions II,” to rave reviews.

She appeared at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., in April. Madonna in June celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York’s Times Square.

“Everyone here is a work of art,” says the World Pride Music Festival performance poster, referring to a line from “Danceteria” on “Confessions II.”